FGUS74 KEPZ 221417
ESFEPZ
NMC017-023-231500-

Hydrologic Outlook
National Weather Service El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM
717 AM MST Sat Feb 22 2020

...Rain and Snow Melt May Lead to Minor Flooding in the Gila
Region and Significant Rises on the Upper Gila River...

An upper level disturbance with an embedded plume of deep 
subtropical moisture will move from Arizona into Southwestern New
Mexico this afternoon and tonight. Scattered showers this 
afternoon will become locally heavy tonight over the Gila Region. 
Meanwhile, snow levels will be above 10,000 feet for most of the 
event. Significant snowpack exists above 8,000 feet in elevation, 
particularly over the Mogollon Mountains, at the headwaters of the
Gila River.

Total rainfall amounts through Sunday morning will generally 
range from 0.50 to 0.75 inches over most of the middle elevations
of the Gila Region, but 1 to 2 inches may fall over the Mogollon 
Mountains.

Runoff from rainfall combined with snow melt will lead to 
rises on the Upper Gila River tonight and through Sunday, 
particularly near Gila Hot Springs. It is difficult to predict how
high the river may rise, but residents are advised to keep a close
eye on conditions.

Moderate rises will also work their way down to the Gila and Cliff
areas Sunday into Monday, but no flooding is expected on the Gila
River below the Wilderness Reach.

Other smaller streams and arroyos in the Gila Region may run as a
result of rainfall and snow melt, and this may lead to temporary 
road closures. 

$$

Hardiman